I think we may be just using different terminology!

I love to push myself to the limits (though I usually do this more in my "achievements" than physically....)

I like to see how far I can go :)

There seems to be an adrenalin rush sometimes associated with it (even with more intellectual achievements, believe it or not -- if you physically push yourself hard enough)....

When I read what you wrote -- and translated all the physical stuff to "achievement"-oriented stuff -- I could relate to it completely.... :)

As you know, I did a Ph.D. in theoretical physics. There were a couple reasons why I did it.... One was that I did find some physics interesting. But the other reason was because it was DIFFICULT. I wanted to see if I could do it! (That's why I picked theoretical physics that is -- it's a difficult subject.)

During my Ph.D., I submitted my first paper for publication before my first year had gone by. That's pretty rare, and I didn't need to do that. But I did.... Why? Because I wanted to see if I could! I liked the challenge!

I must admit, my foray into ecommerce has multiple drives behind it.... One is a "lifestyle" and financial drive. The other one is I want to see if I can do it!

So.... Mike, I think we're actually pretty similar in some ways. I think we may just be meaning different things when we say "fear of failure"....

Mike, I admire and respect people who push themselves to the limit! :)

Dien